BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- The State Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed clean-up of a small area along Bellingham Bay. 

A failing bulkhead near the south end of C Street is allowing water at high tide to drag old petroleum into the water, leaving the occasional oily sheen.

Katie Skipper with the Department of Ecology says this would be part of a larger Central Waterfront Cleanup site.



Crews would remove about 800 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soil and sediment, rebuild the shoreline and install a barrier into the soil inland of the excavated area to prevent recontamination.

The interim action would cost an estimated $500,000. 

Comments on the project will be accepted through August 15 and can be sent to Brian Sato, site manager with Ecology, at brian.sato@ecy.wa.gov.